Local business launches special drive for needy

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Garlic & Oil, 12 White Deer Plaza, Sparta

SPARTA — Many in Sussex County have participated in area food drives and are familiar with the 'Stuff the Bus" campaign. Donations are usually items such as pasta, rice, beans, cereal, canned soup, etc. But there is a classification of need that largely remains unfulfilled and most do not know about it. Director of the Newton St Joseph’s RC Church's Saint Mother Teresa Food Pantry, Christine Shell, says whatrs really needed are personal care products.

"Those on public assistance cannot spend any of that money on anything other than food,” Shell said. "So they can’t purchase laundry detergent or bar soap to keep themselves clean. Anything like that must be donated. People have been so generous with food donations but they don't know that toilet paper, shampoo, deodorant, bar soap, razors, toiletries -- those kinds of things are desperately needed."

That's where Sparta business Garlic & Oil is stepping in. Owner Kathryn Kaplan solicited the help of the office of Drs. Tauber and Sciascia, a Hamburg Dental practice. Through their distributor, the dental practice donated hundreds of toothbrushes and toothpaste to the cause. Now, Kaplan said, it is time to take the next step.

"So many people I know, including myself, have donated lots of non-perishable food items in the past, but It never occurred to me before speaking with Christine that food is just small part of the need," Kaplan said.

Anyone who brings in donations of those types of products will get a free gift from Garlic & Oil.

"Give a gift, get a gift," said Kaplan, who is asking her nationally known store vendors, such as Stonewall Kitchen and Robert Rothschild, to lend a hand.

"So far, the vendors have been very generous and we are really excited to see what we can accomplish as a community, to spread the word about this need."

Donations can be dropped off on Saturday June 16, between 10 am and 5 pm at the store, located at 12 White Deer Plaza in Sparta. All donations will go to the Saint Mother Teresa Food Pantry, which services approximately 500 people.